$1,155 Movers From Philadelphia to Chicago

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 1, 2023 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Erika Marty

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL averages from $596 to $5,587 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Philadelphia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Chicago, IL.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Philadelphia guide.

Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago resources

• Best Philadelphia to Chicago movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from Philadelphia to Chicago.
• Moving cost: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Philadelphia to Chicago car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 759 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Philadelphia movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 759 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Philadelphia to Chicago will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Chicago will cost between $1,155 to $3,944. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,251 to $5,587, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Philadelphia to Chicago will cost from $3,872 to $7,794.

How much are moving container companies from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Moving containers from Philadelphia to Chicago will cost you $773 to $1,873 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,391 to $2,733. A larger home will cost $1,866 to $3,558.

How much is a moving truck from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $552 to $1,038. A larger move will cost $596 to $1,233, and a four-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Chicago costs from $746 to $1,494. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Philadelphia to Chicago moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Philadelphia to Chicago is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Philadelphia to Chicago.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best customer service International Van Lines rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 24/7 cust. service Competitive rates 15% discounts Get A Quote (855) 929-4120 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves Air Van northAmerican Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Philadelphia to Chicago

Cost of living: Philadelphia vs Chicago

• Rent prices in Chicago are 14% higher than in Philadelphia.
• Home prices in Chicago are 34.5% higher than in Philadelphia.
• Income is the same in Chicago and Philadelphia.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 6.3% lower than in Philadelphia.
• The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 6.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 18.18% lower than in Philadelphia.
• Sales taxes in Chicago are 28.13% higher than in Philadelphia.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 61.24% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,811.80 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How is life different in Philadelphia compared to Chicago?

• Chicago's population is about 71% greater than Philadelphia.
• Chicago's public transportation has a similar score to Philadelphia.
• Chicago is more walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
• Chicago is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 67.
• Chicago's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 35.19 compared to Philadelphia's 39.3. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 39.3%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Philadelphia with a score of 33.87 vs Philadelphia's 37.1.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Considerations for moving to Chicago

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime..
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Philadelphia movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating	230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19102 (215) 309-9775
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	1450 S Warfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146 (267) 606-4210
Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport	Get A Quote	4.72 overall rating	2109 Bellemead Ave, Havertown, PA, 19083 (610) 601-3240

Visit our best long distance movers in Philadelphia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

What to do in Chicago

These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

• Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
• Navy Pier
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Buckingham Fountain
• Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
• 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Field Museum
• The Magnificent Mile
• Willis Tower SkyDeck
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Wrigley Field
• Chicago Pizza Tours
• Oz Park
• Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
• Maggie Daley Park
• Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
• Shedd Aquarium
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Green Mill Jazz Club
• The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
• The Chicago Theatre
• The Second City

Get your sports on!

• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Cubs (MLB)
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Fire (MLS)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Chicago

• How Much do Chicago Movers Cost?
• How Much Does It Cost To Move to Illinois?
• Who’s Moving Into and Out of Chicago?
• Chicago Nightlife: Living it Up in the Windy City
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide
• What’s the cost of living in Chicago, IL?
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Neighborhood Guide
• Best Chicago Moving Companies
• The Best Illinois Moving Companies